Student newspapers today face perhaps now one of their biggest problems quite often: attracting interest. More often than not, issues of the newspaper, while read and appreciated by school staff, go unread by the student population. This comes as no surprise in the world of cell phones, when more than anything, youth search for entertainment rather than information. Because of this, student newspapers can follow these tips to attempt to create student interest in the newspaper.
1. Find attention-grabbing front page articles
Seasonal articles can be fun, but can easily be found online, leading to students ignoring them in the newspaper. Instead, opt for attention-grabbing front page articles. These will encourage students to grab a newspaper and start reading, hopefully into the middle pages, which can include other types of less attention-grabbing articles.
2. Avoid abstract topics
Abstract topics on topics such feminism, ignorance, and racism can lead to boring articles that the majority of the student population will ignore. These topics are not off limits, but in lieu of an abstract article, focus on current events related to those topics and commentary on that. For example, if wishing to discuss racism, discuss a recent controversy that occurred in your school district, or interview a school or local police officer.
3. Connect national news topics to the school through local events and interviews
National news topics provide great article topics, as they are topical and provide interest. To make these articles as interesting as possible, look for local events relating to these national events. Start the article off broad by introducing the national event, then connect it to something local. For example, if writing an article on the Democratic primaries, connect it locally by including a paragraph or two about where NC Democrats can go to vote, and rallies that are being held by candidates near North Carolina.
4. Look out for school events
A good practice in journalism is keeping an open ear to events occurring in one's own school. Keep a good network of lead faculty and involved students to find out about school events as soon as they happen. These articles will provide a local interest for students by themselves, as no connection needs to be made back to the school (the connection is already there!). Even better, students featured in school articles will be more inclined to grab an issue and share it with their friends.
5. Go behind the scenes and provide exclusives
Take the next step in attracting student interest by searching for behind-the-scenes interviews and providing information first that cannot be found elsewhere. Contact school faculty often and ask for updates on events before they release information to students. Partner with a club or school organization to announce a service project or event. Don't be afraid to reach out; if anything, organizations will be happy for the exposure the school newspaper can give them.
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